Yes, Salzinger is a photographer, but the world she photographs is all created by her. For her nimble hands, simple objects such as cotton, Styrofoam, moss and dirt transform into global and interstellar landscapes just begging to be explored. Once created, the melding of real and imaginary objects is photographed, bonding into being. “I like to look at the shapes of things and see how I can make a new one and make it look organic. It is like sculpture and painting, but it is photography. For me, the most important element is the angle and lighting.”

Mystery Writer Deborah Sharp Rides Again

Sharp’s mysteries are set in Himmarshee, Fla., the fictional rodeo and ranches town just north of Lake Okeechobee. She offers, “I had in my mind a particular type of town tinged with things like I grew up in. I can hear the dialogue unfolding in my mind.” Her first book, Mama Does Time (2008), finds Mama in police custody when they find a dead body in the trunk of her turquoise convertible. This outrageous mama shares some of Sharp’s own mother’s characteristics; she has had multiple marriages, a slight taste for sweet pink wine and a fondness for gambling. The “Mama” sherbet-colored scarf is her identity.

Arts Teacher of the Year Susan Anderson
Advises Students and Teachers Alike to ‘Go For It’

Susan Anderson is a rarity among teachers. She has taught at Taravella for 18 years, and she has never changed schools. “I have the best support system ever! Everyone backs the fine arts department 1,000%! Why would I ever give that up?” she asks. At this time of program cut-backs, the fine arts classes at her school remain intact. Educated at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan during the ’70s, Anderson is herself an artist. She varies her medium, sometimes according to the season. “When it’s spring, I often switch to pastels or softer colors. Fall makes me want to take photographs.” Clay, drawing and painting complete her repertoire.

Stonewall Library and ArchivesOpens Doors to the Community

It’s often said that when one door closes, another one opens. In the case of the Stonewall Library and Archives, this scenario clearly played out – and with tremendously satisfying results.

Just over three years ago, Stonewall - the largest independent circulating library of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) materials in the United States – learned that its building on North Andrews Avenue had been sold and was slated for demolition. Fortunately, the organization quickly learned of the opportunity to take over 4,200 square feet of space being vacated by a portion of the Broward County Library Branch at 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.